My name is Joseph Ferano and I am studying my butt off to become a crazy good polyglot and linguist. I have been studying foreign languages since the tender age of 15 and in 10 years I have acquired skills in several languages. My ultimate goal is to travel the world and explore the countries these languages came from. I will be posting my experiences, opinions, and diatribes on this blog as I track my progress in becoming fluent in 8 languages.

What exactly am I supposed to do with the first post? I think it would be fitting to explain the name of the blog; "A Linguistician's Vagrancy". I wanted the title to have something with "polyglot" and something that has to do with a "journey". However, "A Polyglot's Journey" just doesn't sounds spiffy or snazzy enough. It's just lame.

With the help of the thesaurus, I found "linguistician", which immediately clicked for me, I just liked the sound of it in my head. Polyglot, in my opinion, always sounded rough to me. However, I soon found that "linguistician" brings a bit of controversy with it. I read a little about the debate, but I do not want to partake. I'll take a little artistic license on this one since I honestly do not care if a linguist likes it or not; I do.

Next I found the word "vagrancy". Obviously this is a commonly used word, usually with a pejorative sense to it. However, it does also carry a certain mysterious traveler connotation and this is particularly what attracted me to the word. The wandering samurai has always been a favorite character of mine when growing up; a humble traveler who sees the world on his own terms. He is always quiet and reserved, but secretly possesses amazing skills that he would use for good in times of need. This word strongly reminds me of that childhood hero I always admired.

Vagrancy also alludes to my future goals and ideas about language learning. My dream is to travel to different countries and truly experience different cultures. However, learning about a new culture requires time to make friends, to learn the language, and to explore the country. A two week vacation would be shallow and unfulfilling. Do not get me wrong however, if such an opportunity comes along, I would take it in a heartbeat. Nevertheless, I would prefer to plan ahead so I can travel for prolonged periods of time in each country.

The way I plan on achieving international travel is by becoming a polyglot. In doing so, I give myself a highly desirable skill that would create various employment opportunities anywhere in the world. Until C-3PO actually becomes real, the world will need multilingual people. That's where I come in. I could then stay at different countries for one or two years at a time. Hence, the "vagrancy" concept.

Some interesting comparisons can be drawn between my foreign language learning theories and the concept of a vagrant. A vagrant is usually someone who is dirty, unwanted, and an outcast of society. When learning a foreign language at a university, you have to deal with the pretentious bullshit that is learning the standard sociolect. When I try to learn the more familiar or popular version of a language, it is usually frowned upon by uptight elitist people. I believe a person must know every register possible in order to truly claim he is a "Superior" speaker in the language. Along the way, you will make some mistakes mixing up registers, this is a fact. I know, I've done it enough times to know it's going to happen. When I do, it is usually met with some surprise and, dare I say, disgust. This idea of learning that unwanted language, that outcast sociolect, reminds me of what that wandering samurai goes through. Always judged on his appearance, never on what he can actually do...

So I finally came to "A Linguistician's Vagrancy." A rather interesting title if I may say so. Hopefully this will be the start of a good blog and it will serve as a learning experience for myself. Maybe I will pick up a reader or two along the way...

Actively enrolled in second semester Italian. I have achieved astonishing fluency in very little time, thanks to its proximity to Spanish and French. Currently just attending class, need to start watching more movies. Saw "Le conseguenze dell'amore" which was an amazingly well directed movie.

Things to work on: Learn popular vocabulary and expressions.

German
(Intermediate Mid)

I have a new Austrian tutor. She is amazing, very patient and really wants to help me learn the language. My first year of German was good, but I never really had a lot of conversational practice so my spoken fluency was lacking. In just a few sessions with her, I have greatly improved my speed and fluidity.

Things to work on: Just need to keep talking so I can develop conversational speed.

Spanish
(Superior)

Currently enrolled in Spanish Grammar I which is helping me understand the underlying structure of my second native language. Hopefully this course will help me in a future teaching position.

Things to work on: A formal explanation of the "Pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo" so I can do some comparative linguistics with Italian.

English
(Superior)

Currently enrolled in English Honors I, which so far has been interesting, to say the least. As my first native language, it is taking a little getting used to, since it's my literary language. I wish I could do writing exercises more appropriate for my level.

Things to work on: I just need to pass the first year so I can get into some hardcore British lit.

Japanese
(Intermediate Low)

Not actively learning. It has been several years since I have even talked to someone, however, I have a knack for remembering languages even after prolonged bouts of disuse. I'll pick it up again after my bachelors degree.

Things to work on: The university needs to offer Japanese, it's a little strange that such a popular language is not available.

Mandarin
(Novice Mid)

Not actively learning. Took a refresher course last semester and it helped me remember some of the things I have forgotten. The college professor is infinitely better than my old high school teacher. If I decide to stay in PR for my masters, I will pick it back up at that time.

Things to work on: I will wait till after my bachelors to start back up.

Cantonese
(Novice Low)

Not actively learning. Why put this language here? Because it holds a special place in my heart. It is the first language I fell in love with when I was watching Kung Fu movies as a kid. It sounds so wonderful to hear people speak it.

Things to work on: I need to try and find out if I can get my masters in Hong Kong. That would be a dream come true. I love
Dim Sum XD